(PRLEAP.COM) This fall many students will be heading to college for the first time. These students will likely go through a range of emotions including anxiety and homesickness. The first semester particularly the first few months of school are critical times for new college freshmen. There are a lot of adjustments to be made like learning to live on your own (without mom or dad’s influence) making new friends, keeping up with rigorous academics, and dealing with homesickness. As parents or loved ones of these students one way to help alleviate the homesickness is to send a care package. The unexpected care package from home is a welcome surprise and will definitely brighten your student’s day!!

The contents of a care package can vary, but should include things that the students love. One of the main things that students ask for are snacks and treats. Sending them snacks that you used to buy at home is a great idea. Items like chicken noodle soup, and chocolate chip cookies are a great reminder of mom, and other treats like popcorn may remind them of family time together. “To-Go” items are also important for the college student. Items like snack size cookie and chip bags are great to go in a back pack to take with them to classes or study groups. Larger snack items and ready made meals that are non-perishable and can be heated in a microwave items are very popular for students living in dorms. Keep in mind that if your student is having a hard time meeting new people offer some encouragement and send some items that can be shared with a group. Diane Braswell, owner of Creative Gift Source (www.creativegiftsource.com) a company that makes gift baskets and care packages with the college student in mind, offers that, “college students love themed care packages such as a “movie night” or “game night”. These packages are great favorites for the students and they also encourage them to make new friends by inviting other students to the dorm room to snack and watch a movie or play a card game”. Diane adds that when looking to purchase care packages find a company that keeps the students needs in mind such as the Creative Gift Source. Not only are the students’ needs their first priority they often times will add custom items to the packages to help bring home to the students. Weather you buy a care package or make your own when you send the right contents and a message from home, it will go a long way!! For more information you can contact Diane at Creative Gift Source at www.creativegiftsource.com